Not sure I understand the concern/reluctance about freestanding speakers for the front LCR if you're going w/ an AT screen (and have plenty of space there) anyway. OR are you somehow thinking you can't/shouldn't do in-walls just for the surrounds?
_Man_
Remember that former coworker I mentioned over in your dedicated amp thread? I just mentioned going w/ these Thiels (as part of my HT upgrade) to the other former coworker, odd couple buddy of his (kidding about how it'd make him proud despite no $$$ Krells, exotic cables nor snake oils), and...
IF you're willing to treat this (ie. the shopping/bargain-hunting and occasional upgrades) as part of the hobby, then I'd seriously consider going used if I were you.
I recently picked up a pair of (albeit 20-yo) Thiel CS 5i's in good condition for $2.4K plus delivery costs -- it was a local...